Commercial Trucks Show Greater Efficiency Than Cars in Five Major European Cities

Commercial Trucks Show Greater Efficiency Than Cars in European Cities

Recent data from Geotab, a leader in connected operations and telematics, indicates that commercial vehicles demonstrate significantly better road efficiency than passenger cars in five out of seven major European capitals. This revelation comes from their Urban Freight Efficiency Index, which provides insights into urban logistics performance across several cities.

The index rates the efficiency of both trucks and cars using a score from 0 to 100, reflecting traffic flow and fuel wasted while idling. Higher scores signal a more efficient operational environment for vehicles. The data analyzed includes connected vehicle information for the year 2025 from seven European cities: Berlin, Amsterdam, Dublin, Rome, Paris, London, and Madrid.

In cities such as Rome and Berlin, commercial trucks have a clear advantage, scoring significantly higher due to favorable access hours for freight transport and well-structured road networks. This optimal environment allows professional logistics firms to optimize their routes effectively. Dublin and Amsterdam also report notable efficiencies for trucks, although they lag behind the levels seen in Rome and Berlin.

Conversely, London and Madrid present unique challenges. London’s regulatory environment imposes strict restrictions on commercial vehicles, with limitations like bus lane access and congested time slots for deliveries. Such rules create additional hurdles for truck operations, suggesting that it is not always the vehicles themselves that are inefficient but rather the constraints placed upon them.

In sharp contrast, Madrid records the lowest score in the index. With a mere score of 8 for truck network suitability, the city has proven to be an unyielding environment for commercial vehicles. Data shows that truck drivers face consistent congestion challenges, lacking predictable conditions to navigate through the city efficiently. Unlike other cities, where professional logistics management enhances operational capabilities, Madrid's structural limitations render even the best management strategies ineffective.

The findings reveal a pressing need for urban planners and policymakers to reevaluate the infrastructure and regulatory measures in place. High congestion and irregular travel times not only hinder the efficiency of commercial vehicles but also contribute to increased operational costs for logistics companies — ultimately impacting the broader economy.

Miguel Fayos, an Associate Vice-President at Geotab, remarked, "The assumption that trucks are always the main source of inefficiency in urban settings is challenged by our findings. For most European cities, professional fleet operations outperform general passenger traffic. By implementing structured routes and data-driven planning, these companies navigate urban environments more effectively than private vehicle operators."

A Closer Look: Methodology of the Index

The Urban Freight Efficiency Index evaluates cities on a 0 to 100 scale, combining scores for light vehicles and trucks using a 60/40 weighting. This methodology recognizes the significant road demand from passenger vehicles while addressing the unique logistics efficiencies of commercial trucks.

The analysis considers congestion levels, peak hours of unimpeded traffic, and the predictability of travel times to capture the day-to-day operational realities faced by logistics fleets.

Judging by these metrics, municipalities can identify where improvements can be made, whether through more effective traffic management strategies or infrastructure enhancements that alleviate congestion.

Geotab demonstrates a robust commitment to enhancing fleet performance and reducing operational inefficiencies through advanced data analytics and AI. Celebrating 25 years in the industry, Geotab continues to set benchmarks for connected vehicle technology, serving a vast array of clients worldwide.

For more insights and to access the full report, visit Geotab’s official site.